Brethren,

I would like to thank the Brethren for their confidence by voting me as the next Worshipful Master.  It will be an honor to serve each of you and I will do my duty in the same manner as all those who have graced the East before me.

So what should the first message from the Worshipful Master contain?  A challenge!  Let me tell a story that happened to me this past summer while standing in a check-out line at a local store.

There I was, wearing my new Horace Chase Lodge shirt, when a man stepped up and asked me how everything was at "good old Horace Chase Lodge"?  I proceeded to let him know all was great, and as I spoke I realized I had no idea to whom I was talking to.  I introduced myself and we shook hands.  I discovered he was a Brother and member of this Lodge.  I finished telling the Brother of the work done and some upcoming events at the Lodge.

Later, I felt this encounter was awkward for both of us.  I wondered why in nearly 15 years as a Mason we had never met?

After this I pledged that as Master I would challenge each of you to attend Lodge so that an encounter like this might not happen again.  Can you meet this challenge?  I hope to see you at Lodge.

During February's Stated meeting there will be a short talk on Petitions, Investigating Committees and Voting Procedures.

Fraternally,
Andrew F. Lane
Worshipful Master